The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed carrying out military strikes against targets in Iran, describing the operation as a strong response to the attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
The strikes were launched on Friday, just hours after US President Donald Trump accused Iran of being responsible for the drone attack on the commercial ship, calling it a reckless breach of the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the attack on commercial shipping represented an unjustified act of aggression that violated the ceasefire and threatened freedom of navigation along one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
The military action marks the first significant exchange between the two countries since they signed a memorandum of understanding last week, bringing an end to hostilities and outlining measures to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest development also comes as both nations continue diplomatic negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reaching a permanent peace agreement.
No casualties were reported in Thursday’s drone attack on the commercial vessel, although the incident prompted plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors who had remained stranded in the region.
While Iran has neither accepted nor denied responsibility for the attack, the country had not officially responded to the latest US strikes at the time of reporting.
Despite the ceasefire, disagreements remain over navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, including the shipping routes vessels should follow and Iran’s proposal regarding transit fees.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, maintained that secure navigation through the strategic waterway cannot be guaranteed through arrangements that fail to consider Iran’s interests as a coastal state.
CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and said it would continue coordinating efforts to protect international shipping in the region.
